The Detroit Lions have not said when they plan to allow receiver Titus Young back after he was sent home last week. AP File Photo

ALLEN PARK -- There are still plenty of reasons to watch the Detroit Lions' final five games this season.

When Detroit was defeated by the Houston Texans recently, it seemed like the perfect time to start making plans January vacation plans. Detroit owns a 4-7 record (0-4 in the NFC North), and will need to win its final five games, plus have some luck, to make a second consecutive playoff appearance. If the Lions finish below .500, NFL observers will classify this season as a failure.

Lions fans may not watch their team battle for a playoff spot in December, but there are still several things to keep an eye on.

Here are five things to watch this season:
Reaction To Reality -- The Lions had a long history of losing prior to last season, so missing the playoffs was never a shocker. However, most players on this year's team tasted the playoffs in 2011. It is worth seeing how players react to this season's letdown. Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished 4-12 and lost 10 straight games after a 10-6 record in 2010. If Detroit's close losses turn into blowouts, Lions coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew will likely make several player and coaching changes this offseason.

The Titus Young Sr. Reality Show -- Young's behavior has been very problematic for Detroit, and if he does not grow up quickly, management may force him to start over with another team. The former second-round pick was sent home from the facility again because of his immature behavior. It marks the second time in six months Young has been dismissed because of his behavior. If Young returns this season, it is worth seeing how he interacts with teammates and coaches who are currently frustrated with his antics. If he does not play again this year, the writing may be on the wall. Considering Schwartz normally keeps team business out of the public eye, his willingness to talk about Young's actions may indicate the receiver's time in Detroit is coming to an end.

Is Ryan Broyles 'Robin'? -- Detroit has signed and drafted several receivers over the past few years hoping somebody can take pressure off Calvin Johnson. Detroit believed that person would be Young heading into this season, but rookie receiver Ryan Broyles could provide the help Johnson needs. Broyles had 12 catches for 126 yards in his first NFL start last week, and has 21 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns this season. In eight games as a starter, Young has only 33 receptions for 383 yards and four touchdowns in 2012. If Broyles continues to develop, he can silence those who questioned Detroit for making him a second-round selection this past offseason.

Play For Pay -- Detroit's front office will have some major decisions to make this offseason. Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, safety Louis Delmas, cornerback Chris Houston and right tackle Gosder Cherilus are free agents after this season. Detroit cannot afford to retain each player, making the final five games an audition for this team, or other potential NFL squads. Detroit will have to rework Matthew Stafford's contract soon; defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has a voidable year in his contract (2015), which gives Detroit two years to make a decision about his future; Johnson is the league's highest paid receiver, meaning there is not a lot of money to spend in the future, especially coming off a non-playoff year.
Riley Reiff's Development -- This is the elephant in the room. Everybody knows Reiff was drafted to replace Jeff Backus, but it is a hard subject for those within the locker room to address. Detroit decided to slowly work Reiff on the field as a tight end this season, but he started at left tackle due to Backus' hamstring injury last week. Reiff was inconsistent at left tackle, but he is a rookie. Reiff's performance over the next five games will determine if Detroit brings Backus back for the final year of his contract.